Types of Organizations

When it comes to advocacy, knowing what type of organization you are is the first step. Depending on your tax exempt status, the laws surrounding advocacy differ and directly impact what you can (or can’t) do through advocacy.

What is a nonprofit organization?

All nonprofits can engage in advocacy, although the scope and extent of allowable activities vary according to the tax exempt status of the organization. Nonprofit organizations include:

What is a 501(c)(3) organization?

Nonprofit organizations that dedicate their resources to charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes may apply for tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A 501(c)(3) organization generally pays no federal taxes on its income, and contributions it receives may be tax deductible by the donor. It may engage in a broad range of advocacy activities, although it is subject to limits on lobbying and is prohibited from engaging in any political activity on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate for public office.

A 501(c)(3) organizations may be a:

public charity: A public charity receives substantial support from the general public and carries out charitable and/or educational programs and services. Public charities may lobby, subject to generous limits.

private foundation: A private foundation is a 501(c)(3) supported by one or a few individuals or sources. Private foundations generally award grants to support other organizations’ charitable activities. They are subject to additional rules governing their activities, including being subject to a tax on any money spent on lobbying. However, IRS regulations provide safe harbors for private foundations to support public charities that lobby, so long as the foundation does not earmark the money for such activities.

public foundation: Public foundations, including community foundations, are publicly supported 501(c)(3) organizations that make grants to support the charitable activities of other organizations. Legally considered to be public charities, public foundations are subject to far fewer restrictions than private foundations and can spend money on lobbying or make grants that are earmarked for lobbying.

What is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization?

Similar to 501(c)(3) organizations, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization generally pays no taxes on its income. However, unlike a 501(c)(3) organizations, contributions to 501(c)(4)s are not tax deductible to donors. 501(c)(4) organizations may conduct unlimited lobbying. In addition, they may engage in partisan political campaign work, but only as a secondary activity.

What is a 501(c)(5) labor organization?

Section 501(c)(5) organizations are most frequently “labor organizations.” These organizations are exempted from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code. However, unlike a 501(c)(3) organizations, contributions to 501(c)(5)s are not tax deductible to donors. 501(c)(5) organizations may conduct unlimited lobbying. In addition, they may engage in partisan political campaign work, but only as a secondary activity.

What is a 501(c)(6) business league?

Section 501(c)(6) “business leagues” and chambers of commerce are exempted from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code. However, unlike a 501(c)(3) organizations, contributions to 501(c)(6)s are not tax deductible to donors. 501(c)(6) organizations may conduct unlimited lobbying. In addition, they may engage in partisan political campaign work, but only as a secondary activity.

What is a 527 political organization?

There are many types of political organizations exempt from taxation under 527 of the Interne Revenue Code. Section 527 addresses the tax treatment of all entities that exist primarily to influence the outcome of elections. A political organization is generally exempt from taxation to the extent that it spends its funds on political activities and related expenses. Political activities include influencing or attempting to influence the selection, nomination, election, or appointment of any individual to any federal, state or local public office or office in a political organization. Like 501(c)(4) organizations, donations to 527 organizations are not tax deductible.

Helping nonprofits and foundations to advance their mission and serve their communities through advocacy.